“Ungrateful wretch!”

Even after Callis’s exposé, the royal family continued to offer wealth due to the contract.

However, there was no need to keep up the one-sided donations once the other party broke the vow.

“As you said, all support specified during the contract will be discontinued, including other living expenses, except for the territorial welfare funds!”

The king sternly promised to grant her request.

“Then, please proceed as discussed.”

It was nice for once to wrap things up cleanly.

Since it was her affair, there seemed to be nothing to dispute. The king could not stand to see losses or damages.

Her mission was completed; there was no reason to linger here any longer.

Chloe picked up her handbag lightly placed on the couch and stood up.

“Are you leaving? The banquet is soon. Won’t you join us?”

The king cautiously inquired right away. His tone suggested he was deeply concerned about his departing daughter.

Caught in that pitiful voice, Chloe unexpectedly stopped her breath and movements.

“Next time.”

She then continued to act at ease, as if nothing had happened.

Just as a leaf doesn’t fall when a branch shakes momentarily, a resolution doesn’t crumble when the heart wavers.

‘I’ve decided to let go of those who abandoned me.’

In front of her merely titular family, Chloe just had to play the role of a titular daughter.

“I’ll definitely attend next time. Have a pleasant meal with the family today.”

She promised the next time, showing a smile she’d usually reserve for entertaining other nobles.

Reading his daughter’s expression, the king didn’t push further.

“Alright. It will be quite late if you enjoy the banquet. Take care and visit again.”

“Yes. I will write occasionally. Please stay well, Father.”

Having received permission to leave, she walked out without any lingering feelings. Perhaps because the room was so empty, her footsteps sounded unusually loud.

Tap.

She finally stopped at the door.

Turning suddenly, Chloe who had been preparing to leave, spoke.

“The Duke will soon propose a business investment to you, Father.”

Great wealth and fleeting, but shining, honor. These were the elements that lifted Callis, who was once a fallen noble.

But he, who never won the respect and love of other nobles, had always considered it his own flaw.

To fit in with them, he had to abandon the image of a sycophant, so Callis pushed forth with business.

He had to become a successful businessman, not a dog living off the royal family. Then he would attract investors.

“I have a good idea, and I can guarantee success. He will try to persuade you to join.”

By then, his popularity would dramatically increase after the imperial festival commemorating the end of the war. If he’s as sharp as he seems, he’ll take that opportunity.

Despite their mutual disdain, the royal family and the Duke had a symbiotic relationship for mutual benefit.

“Although it doesn’t seem like both of you will collaborate due to this incident, I am telling you this as a precaution. It would be best to flatly reject the Duke’s offer.”

Support from the royal family would be severed, putting them at complete odds, but you never know.

“I’m not advising you out of petty feelings. I’m trying to prevent your loss, Father.”

“…….”

“That business will soon collapse.”

Chloe had to hear bad news as soon as she returned home. Helena, who had been comatose for several days, had regained consciousness.

Like Callis had done before, she expected Helena to also cause a scene. However, the person who actually sought out Chloe was someone else.

“I’m thinking of throwing a party for Helena’s birthday soon. I plan to introduce her to the social circle before we get married. You should know in advance.”

At Callis’s words, Chloe chuckled.

Since when have you been so affectionate and considerate?
“I’m telling you this for your own good. You’re asking to invite the nobles, aren’t you?”

Even as she asked, her dignity on display, she had other motives.

“Why should it be my friends? Why not call upon the Duke’s friends instead? My friends aren’t likely to get along with Helena.”

“Huh, do you intend this to be some kind of child’s play? What reason could there be for her friends not to get along with Helena!”

“Exactly, it’s not child’s play… I wonder why Lord Luke never responded to any of my letters.”

Chloe mumbled in agreement, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Lord Luke had been friends with Callis for a long time and had always been comfortable around Chloe after their marriage.

That is, until the exposure.

After the ‘Unfortunate Cinderella’ incident, he had been ignoring Chloe completely.

He even took the trouble to go for an interview in the newspaper to defend Callis.

And that’s it?

He spread sinister rumors to ostracize Chloe from society. If it weren’t for her established reputation, the nobles would have swallowed those rumors whole.

“Don’t bring others into this!”

“Fine, would you please leave the room, Duke? I’ll happily bring my friends to the party, as you asked.”